Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the surface texture of pre-cast building blocks including a pressure-applying device so positioned as to selectively engage blocks and being adapted to apply a pressure on the surface of blocks so as to modify their texture thereof prior to the curing of the blocks. Also disclosed is an apparatus for modifying the surface texture of pre-cast building blocks including mechanisms and structures adapted to provide a plurality of longitudinal movements and a plurality of rotational movements to adjust the direction of the wearing tool in respect to the alignment of the blocks when modifying the surface texture of these blacks as well as a block-stabilizing device for stabilizing blacks during surface-texture modification operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the surface texture of pre-cast building blocks including a pressure-applying device so positioned as to selectively engage blocks and being adapted to apply a pressure on the surface of blocks so as to modify their texture thereof prior to the curing of the blocks. Also disclosed is an apparatus for modifying the surface texture of pre-cast building blocks including mechanisms and structures adapted to provide a plurality of longitudinal movements and a plurality of rotational movements to adjust the direction of the wearing tool in respect to the alignment of the blocks when modifying the surface texture of these blacks as well as a block-stabilizing device for stabilizing blacks during surface-texture modification operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the surface texture of pre-cast building blocks including a pressure-applying device so positioned as to selectively engage blocks and being adapted to apply a pressure on the surface of blocks so as to modify their texture thereof prior to the curing of the blocks. Also disclosed is an apparatus for modifying the surface texture of pre-cast building blocks including mechanisms and structures adapted to provide a plurality of longitudinal movements and a plurality of rotational movements to adjust the direction of the wearing tool in respect to the alignment of the blocks when modifying the surface texture of these blocks as well as a block-stabilizing device for stabilizing blocks during surface-texture modification operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying the surface texture of pre-cast building blocks including a pressure-applying device so positioned as to selectively engage blocks and being adapted to apply a pressure on the surface of blocks so as to modify their texture thereof prior to the curing of the blocks. Also disclosed is an apparatus for modifying the surface texture of pre-cast building blocks including mechanisms and structures adapted to provide a plurality of longitudinal movements and a plurality of rotational movements to adjust the direction of the wearing tool in respect to the alignment of the blocks when modifying the surface texture of these blocks as well as a block-stabilizing device for stabilizing blocks during surface-texture modification operations.

Abstract: A molding tray and system for making molded structures using a moldable material. The molding tray includes an outer tray and a resilient inner mold fitted therein. The outer tray includes a hole in a bottom wall thereof to provide access to a bottom face of the inner mold such that pressure may be applied to the bottom face through the hole so as to dislodge a molded structure.

Abstract: A block texture-modifying apparatus for modifying the surface texture of blocks. The apparatus comprises a block support, a block-texture-modifying assembly and a translational movement assembly. The block support supports the blocks thereon. The block-texture-modifying assembly engages the blocks on the support. The translational movement assembly provides a translational movement between the blocks on the support and the block-texture-modifying assembly. The block-texture-modifying assembly acts on the blocks it engaged during this translational movement in order to modify their respective surface texture.

Abstract: An interlock connector (10) for interlocking stackable building blocks (26). The blocks are provided with apertures (32), such as grooves, on their top and bottom surfaces. The connector comprises a main body which includes two separate and vertically superimposed body portions and is interposed between two stacked blocks with each body portion disposed in a respective groove (32). One body portion is pivotable with respect to another, with a vertical pivot axis that is offset from the central vertical axis of the main body, so as to be pivotable to positions where the stacked blocks are offset. In another embodiment, the interlock connector comprises a single piece main body having an aperture to receive a projection protruding from the surface of one of the stacked blocks while being disposed in the groove of the other block, with the connector being pivotable about the projection to positions where the stacked blocks are offset.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a block-texture-modifying apparatus for modifying the surface texture of blocks. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting blocks thereon, a multi-station block-texture modifier for engaging blocks on the support, and a translational displacer for imparting translational displacement between blocks on the support and the multi-station block-texture-modifier. The multi-station block-texture modifier comprises a pressure-applying station for applying a sustained pressure to blocks engaged thereby, and an impacting station for applying interrupted impact on blocks engaged thereby. The multi-station block-texture modifier modifies the surface texture of blocks on said support during said translational displacement. Also disclosed herein is a method for modifying the surface texture of blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a press and mould apparatus for moulding cementitious articles comprising a precast mould and a press head having a pressing surface and being moveable between precast mould engaging and disengaging positions, wherein the pressing surface comprises a coating of deformable and resilient material such as urethane. Also disclosed is a process for moulding building blocks. This process comprising filling a precast mould with material, such as concrete, this is to be pressed; and pressing the material with a pressing surface comprising a deformable and resilient coating so as to solidify the material into a green shape ready for cutting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a module for covering a surface. The module comprises a decorative front face and a back surface-mounting face opposite said front face. The back surface-mounting comprises a heat-softening adhesive barrier membrane. When the adhesive barrier membrane is heat-softened it provides for the surface-mounting face to be adhered to the surface.